Things to do in Southampton

Southampton is a city with a long and interesting past, hence its not surprising that historical sites and structures are the predominant theme on its list of most popular attractions. Museums, art galleries and medieval buildings are high on most visitors lists of places to visit, while simple walking tours of the port and dockland areas can yield a variety of interesting sights for those unfamiliar with the workings of a busy sea-based city.

Museum of Archaeology

At Southamptons Museum of Archaeology, visitors are given the chance to gain an insight into the story of the city through the ages, with exhibits and displays featuring artefacts from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval eras as well as others hailing from ancient Egypt. The museum is housed in a building that is inherently interesting from a historic and architectural perspective, with parts of it dating as far back as the 13th century.

Maritime Museum

Housed in a 14th century wool trade warehouse, Southamptons Maritime Museum was the citys first public museum when it opened in 1912. For todays visitors, the facility gives an insight into the citys maritime history and includes displays relating to the Titanic, Queen Mary and the Mayflower. A trail dedicated entirely to the Titanic gives visitors a closer look at the story behind the ill-fated cruise ship.

Southampton City Art Gallery

Lovers of visual aesthetics will enjoy a trip to Southamptons impressive City Art Galley, where more than 3,500 works of art covering eras from the last six centuries of European art are available for viewing. The large collection of 20th century British Art is by far the gallerys most significant talking point.

God's House Tower

Standing at the southeast corner of the citys medieval town walls, God's House Tower is a historic structure made up of several different sections, the earliest part dates as far back as the 13th century, with later additions having been made in the 14th and 15th centuries. The building has served several purposes over the years including being a prison during the 18th century. The tower offers some excellent photo opportunities and provides insight into the citys fascinating past.

Holyrood Church

Known colloquially as the Church of the Sailors, Holyrood Church is a historic structure that was completed in the early 14th century. It suffered damage at the hands of Nazi aircraft in 1940 and following the war, the city authorities decided its remains would make a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives while serving with the Merchant Navy.

Museums

Aside from the Maritime Museum, Archaeology Museum and City Art Gallery, Southampton has a small selection of other venues of historical and cultural interest including the Eastleigh Museum, which gives an insight into what life was like for a typical railway engineer during the 1930s, and the Tudor House Museum, which since its construction in 1495 has served as a dye-factory, art studio, family residence and a bookbinding business.